Accounting Degrees in Oklahoma

Introduction

Boasting the 29th-largest GDP in the country, Oklahoma is home to a diverse economy based around aviation, energy, electronics, food processing, transportation equipment, and telecommunications. The state is also an important producer of natural gas and crude oil, and Oklahoma’s five Fortune 500 companies are all part of the energy sector, including Devon Energy, NGL, and Chesapeake Energy. Oklahoma’s significant economy necessitates an extensive finance industry, and the “Big Four” international financial firms (Deloitte & Touche, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Ernst & Young) all maintain offices in the state. Oklahoma employs more than 19,000 accountants and auditors—a higher concentration that most states—and accounting jobs are projected to grow 11.6% by 2026, also well above the national average. The state’s status as a leader in the energy field ensures that opportunities for accountants and other financial professionals will only continue to grow.

Oklahoma at a glance

Population

3,930,864

Per Capita Income

$25,229

Unemployment Rate

3.5%

Fortune 500 Companies

4

Licensed CPA Firms

815

Accounting Programs in Oklahoma

Search our comprehensive school directory to explore the accounting programs in Oklahoma, including campus-based, online and hybrid programs.

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Accounting Salaries and Employment

Oklahoma accountants and auditors can anticipate a 13.8% rise in employment between 2012 and 2022, leading to the creation of over 18,000 new positions. This growth rate is very close to that of the national averages; job opportunities will become available in such top-paying cities as Toledo, Dayton, the Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor area, Akron and Cincinnati. Oklahoman accountants can also look forward to earning an average annual wage ranging between $33,460and $97,810 in the state’s current economy.

Top-paying cities for accountants

Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) in Oklahoma

Oklahoma residents interested in sitting for the uniform CPA exam prepared by AICPA must meet the requirements listed below. In addition to initial certification, Oklahoma supports the transfer of grades policy as well as reciprocal licensure. The list of schools ranked by CPA Exam pass rates below show a number of colleges and universities in the state with top CPA Exam passing rates.

Candidates who are not successful in their first attempt to pass all four sections of the exam within the designated 18 month period may apply to take the exam again; a fairly common practice. The passing rates ranked below include scores of first-time exam takers as well as those returning to test again.

Eligibility for CPA Licensure in Oklahoma

To qualify for CPA licensure in Oklahoma, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below:

Be a resident of the state of Oklahoma

Fulfill the 150 hour educational requirement

Participate in international programs

Complete at least 30 semester hours in accounting courses

Complete 1 year of experience in the accounting industry

Take and pass AICPA Professional Ethics Exam for initial licensure

Age Requirement

N/A

Citizenship Requirement

No

Residency Requirement

Yes

Social Security # Requirement

Yes

Education Requirement for Licensure

Bachelor's degree (150 hours)

Participates in International Programs

Yes

Hours in Accounting

30 semester hours

Exam Sitting Requirements

150 hours

Experience Requirements

1 year of public accounting experience

Ethics Exam

AICPA Ethics Exam

Students can view a “How to Apply for the Exam” presentation here and refer to the eligibility checklist to ensure they are fully prepared to apply.

CPA exam fees in Oklahoma

Total:$792

Application Fee$50

Auditing & Attestation$195

Financial Accounting & Reporting$195

Regulation$176

Business Environment & Concepts$176

Special Fees: $50 application fee for each section of the exam being registered for applies unless a student is applying to take all four sections. Students must sit for at least one section every 18 months to remain an active candidate.

Certifying and Professional Organizations

The Oklahoma Accountancy Board is responsible for licensing, continuing professional education, peer reviews and administering the the CPA exam throughout the state. Once certified, or those who are trying to become certified can join the Oklahoma Society of CPAs – a statewide professional organization dedicated to elevating the professional competence of CPAs in the state, maintaining high ethical standards and promoting a positive public image for its members.